Mari Energies Limited recently shared some massive news with the market, officially announcing a significant copper-gold discovery. Specifically, they found this mineralisation at the East Siah Diq (ESD-1) target in Chagai, Balochistan. Consequently, the company submitted a formal disclosure to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) this Friday.
To achieve this milestone, the company conducted approximately 25,000 metres of exploration drilling. Their wholly owned subsidiary, Mari Minerals (Private) Limited, successfully spearheaded this massive operation. Remarkably, this discovery sits just 50 kilometres east of the famous Reko Diq copper-gold mine development project. Furthermore, it rests 25 kilometres northwest of Nokkundi in the Koh-i-Sultan area adjacent to the Siah Diq Project.
Mari Minerals currently holds multiple exploration licences across the Chagai district. Therefore, the team completed this extensive drilling programme in two distinct phases, Phase 1A and Phase 1B. During this process, they extended vertical drill holes down to roughly 500 metres. Ultimately, drilling encountered the mineralisation beneath approximately 100 metres of unconsolidated sediments. Consequently, these results strongly indicate the presence of a brand-new porphyry copper system.
Mari Energies Copper-Gold Discovery: Phase 1A Detailed Assay Results
Currently, the company has identified porphyry copper-style mineralisation across a 1.4 square kilometre area. The company clarified that these reported intercepts represent the entire length of intersected bedrock without applying a minimum cut-off grade. Overall, the 20 Phase 1A drill-hole intercepts showed copper grades ranging from 0.04% to 0.50%. Meanwhile, gold grades ranged from 0.02 to 0.19 grams per tonne. Furthermore, the team detected molybdenum, reaching concentrations up to 171 parts per million in one specific drill hole.
Below is a breakdown of the most significant initial quantitative metrics from the Phase 1A assays:
| Drill Hole | Interval Length (metres) | Copper Grade (%) | Gold Grade (g/t) |
| ESD-1-DD-017 | 400.25 | 0.50% | 0.11 |
| ESD-1-DD-011 | 392.70 | 0.45% | 0.14 |
| ESD-1-DD-016 | 404.20 | 0.43% | 0.12 |
| ESD-1-DD-015 | 408.40 | 0.42% | 0.11 |
| ESD-1-DD-007 | 406.60 | 0.41% | 0.11 |
Geologically, this copper mineralisation primarily associates with chalcopyrite. Additionally, the team observed pyrite and bornite during their analysis. Molybdenum mineralisation linked to molybdenite also appeared in selected drill holes. Moreover, investigators found localised copper oxide minerals directly beneath the surface sediments. Intriguingly, porphyritic diorite intrusive rocks host this entire mineralised system. Through geological observations, the team identified multiple intrusive phases alongside widespread hydrothermal alteration.
Future Exploration & Verifications
Right now, assaying for the Phase 1B drill holes remains actively underway. The company expects to complete this analytical process during the first quarter of 2027. Interestingly, the mineralised system remains completely open below the current 500-metre drilling depth. Therefore, the next exploration phase will aggressively investigate deeper extensions down to 1,000 metres. Additionally, the upcoming programme will include step-out drilling to accurately assess the mineralisation’s full extent beyond the currently explored areas. Soon, the company will develop an initial geological model and resource estimate using the results from both drilling phases.
To ensure total accuracy, SGS Pakistan conducted all sample preparation and assaying. Similarly, Mari Minerals strictly implemented quality assurance and control procedures. For this, they actively used certified reference materials, duplicates, and blank samples. Furthermore, Dr. John Mortimer from JM Geoscience Pty Ltd officially reviewed and verified these technical findings. He holds over 40 years of relevant experience, including porphyry copper exploration, and strictly followed the disclosure principles of National Instrument 43-101.
However, Mari Energies clearly cautioned investors. This discovery currently remains at the early exploration stage. Therefore, the company requires further drilling, metallurgical testing, geological interpretation, and technical studies to determine the scale, grade continuity, economic significance, and development potential. Finally, the company clarified that these initial results do not yet constitute a formal mineral resource or reserve.
